AIRPORT TERMINAL SERVICES, Inc.

Transcription

1 AIRPORT TERMINAL SERVICES, Inc. PUSH BACK MODULE *Revised 11/05

2 Introduction This training module is designed to familiarize you with the operational aspects of a Push Back Tractor. You are responsible for reading and understanding the content contained within this module. If there is any information that you do not understand, please consult your trainer, supervisor, or manager for assistance. Upon completion of this module, if you successfully: 1. Complete module test with a score of 85% or better And 2. Demonstrate to your trainer, supervisor, or manager the safe operation of the Push Back by performing 6 satisfactory check rides And NOTE: 1 Recurrent check ride required annually 3. Have your training file signed off by your trainer, supervisor, or manager AND yourself. And 4. Have Valid Drivers License, airport ID and applicable airport driving test/designation/authorization You will then be qualified and permitted to operate a Push Back tractor PRE-OPERATIONAL CHECKS Each day the vital fluids inspection should be performed on the push back tractor. Each station has a copy of a pre operational checklist that covers both mechanical and vital fluids inspection. The following areas should be given attention BEFORE operating the push back tractor by completing a walk around inspection. A supervisor should be notified immediately if any discrepancies are noted: Hitch Pin condition (front/back) worn, bent or missing Headset Operating lights Wheel chock missing Corner Bumpers (units with cabs) missing By pass pin placard Caution Low Clearance placard (units with cabs) Caution hand pinch placard at hitch (front/back) Tire condition worn/ flat Obvious body damage PAGE 1

3 PB WITH CAB 4 CORNER Bumpers PLACARD 1 Chock Req. Page 2 NOTE: CHECK THE MAX A/C WEIGHT YOUR PUSH TRACTOR CAN HANDLE- WEIGHTS WILL VARY

4 PRE-POSITIONING Prior to operating unit complete a walk around inspection. Ensure Push Back tractor has wheel chock. Hitches in good condition Prior to connecting Push back tractor to tow bar, verify Bypass pin has been inserted and tow bar is properly connected. NOTE: Steering By-pass pin is ALWAYS the first thing in, last out when connecting/disconnecting the tow bar The Push Back tractor must be marshaled to the tow bar to be connected. After the tow bar has been connected, the marshaler is then responsible to chock the Push Back tractor. Page 3

5 An Aircraft walk around inspection must be made to ensure all doors and panels have been closed, that there is no A/C damage prior to departure, and inspect the By-pass pin/tow-bar for safe connection. Loud and clear Ground to Flt Deck- Radio Check The Head set needs to be tested to ensure it works prior to pushing back the aircraft. After completion of a F.O.D. walk, the Push Crew MUST perform a Plane Talk Huddle to confirm that a safe Push will occur. All crewmembers must be present. If a new crewmember will be used another Plane Talk huddle MUST be performed. NOTE: A Minimum of 2 Wing walkers are required during ALL push outs. Page 4

6 PRIOR TO PUSHING ANY AIRCRAFT CONSIDER: 1. Plan where the aircraft will be pushed to, keeping in mind Runway(s) in use, apron congestion, de-icing. 2. During the push what you will do if you lose communication with the aircraft? STOP immediately and reestablish communication. Never continue with push as alternate instructions maybe given or an emergency may arise. 3. During the push what you will do if the shear pins break or the tow bar separates? Quickly inform Flight deck of problem, depending on tow bar conditions you may be able to stop the A/C with the push back tractor or the flight crew may need to apply A/C brakes. This decision needs to be made rapidly as the communication cord may become severed in worst case scenarios. TURN LIMITS IDENTIFIED BY RED VERTICLE MARK ON OR NEAR NOSE GEAR DOOR. Page 5 4. Never Exceed Turn Limits! If during the push you come to close STOP! Alert flight crew and reposition to stay within turn limits. 5. In cold weather cities traction may be a problem at the start, what options are available to you. EXAMPLE is gate sanding available, larger push tractor?

7 PUSHING AIRCRAFT PRE-CLEARANCE LIGHTS OFF, Push Back Operator awaits verbal clearance to push aircraft and confirmation that aircraft brakes are released from flight deck Wing Walkers standing-by, displaying hold signal, while awaiting signal from Push back operator that aircraft is ready for push Page 6

8 CLEARANCE GIVEN/BRAKES RELEASED Flt deck to ground Brakes released - Your clear to Push Ground copies-clear to Push, brakes are released FLASH HEADLIGHTS After receiving clearance from Flight Deck to push and that A/C Brakes are released, The operator flashes head lights to signal Wing Walkers. Once the Wing Walkers witness the Flashing lights, they ensure the area behind the A/C is clear Page 7

9 PATH CLEAR LIGHTS ON Once the Wing Walkers have visually checked that the path is clear, they will give the clear to proceed Signal, as shown. Ease the Push back tractor fwd to take up any slack. Slowly increase power until no more than a walking pace is achieved. Always push in first gear. Page 8

10 FINAL POSITION/DISCONNECT Upon reaching desired push back point gradually ease back the throttle, then steadily apply brakes until the aircraft has come to a complete stop. Request Brakes Set from the flight deck. Once the Flight deck has confirmed to you that the aircraft brakes are set indicate this to the wing walkers by showing the Brakes Set signal Wing walkers are to remain AT LEAST 10ft away from the tow bar until the brakes set signal is given. Page 9 Next the wing walker will disconnect the tow bar from the Push back tractor. Once disconnected the tractor will back up slightly to allow removal of the tow bar from the aircraft and allow room to connect to the rear of the tractor. NOTE: REFER TO SPECIFIC AIRLINE PROCEDURES AT YOUR STATION. PROCEDURE MAY VARY BY AIRLINE

11 Wing walkers will then disconnect the tow bar from the aircraft One wing walker will next remove the steering Bypass pin from the nose gear and await signal from the push back operator to disconnect the communication cord from the aircraft. NOTE: ENSURE COMMUNICATION PANEL IS PROPERLY CLOSED AFTER REMOVING COMMUNICATION CORD The Communication cords are to be placed on the push back and NEVER thrown. Page 10

12 The tow bar is then attached to the rear hitch of the push back tractor The second wing walker will then hold the aircraft by crossing their wands until all crewmembers and equipment are clear Lastly the push back tractor is returned to gate, the tow bar removed and staged for the next flight. Page 11

13 PUSH BACK SAFETY 1. You must always maintain visual contact with your wing walkers, if at anytime during the push out you lose visual contact you MUST STOP the push back until re-established. 2. Prior to completing the push out the tow bar should be straight, in line with the aircraft and push tractor. 3. The Push back tractor must come to a complete stop PRIOR to shifting gears. 4. During push out never exceed a walking pace and always push in first gear. 5. The push tractor should be started 10 minutes prior to use to allow engine to warm up and on some tractors air pressure to reach sufficient levels for braking.